5

THINGS TO
CONSIDER WHEN
SELECTING
RAW MATERIAL
When starting a new project, one of most common issues is trying to
reduce costs by choosing low cost materials. Choosing such materials
can hinder the development of your project.
At Bracalente, we understand that cost is an important factor in your
projects. In order to help you make purchases that fit your budget
requirements, here are five tips to consider when selecting raw materials.

1 Cost of Material
Typically the cost of raw material in the machined parts industry ranges from
10%-40%, when machining from bar or solids. Consequently, the material cost
$ $ is only a fraction of the "total manufacturing cost" of a part or assembly. The
$ selection process must include a strong understanding of the manufacturing
$ processes that will be deployed as well as the material properties and how they
may be effected by various secondary processes like heat treating or plating.

TIP #1 Take advantage of TIP #2 Do you know the difference of additive manufacturing
R&D Tax Credits for and subtractive manufacturing? Additive manufacturing
manufacturing a can save time and $$ especially for prototyping and/or
brand new product. early stage samples.

2 Material Properties
Know what you need for the best results in your final product. Every material

$ has its own unique attributes, not all of which may be suitable for your
project. Steel and stainless steel, for example, are categorized according
to a variety of SAE standards pertaining to strength, corrosion, formability,

$ hardness, and machinability properties. New manufacturing methods are

producing a greater diversity of metal alloys. In the automotive and aero-
space sectors, fuel efficiency concerns have inspired the creation of lighter
and stronger materials. Find out what alternatives to traditional materials are
available. They may be more cost-effective and perform just as well.

TIP #1 Learn how to alter some of the properties of TIP #2 Not sure about something
steel or other metals for more cost-effective involving your choice of
ways to use your raw materials—experienced material? Always consult the
professionals can help with this. ASTM handbook.

3 Form of Material
A phrase that is commonly used with raw material selection is "near net
shape". Near net shape describes various processes that will reduce
that amount of material removal required to bring the product to it's
finished geometry. Stainless steel products, for example, may be available
in tube form, cold and hot rolled, extruded shape, forged, casting, plate or
powder. Each of these types varies in cost, but in light of the subsequent
manufacturing steps, the most expensive may be the best overall value!

TIP #1 did you know you can buy TIP #2 Did you know that the
extruded shapes? And they manufacturing process of some
are not limited to just aluminum forms of materials can changes
and brass. the property of material?

4 Toxic Materials
Responsible environmental stewardship is an important criteria in selecting raw

$ materials. Many countries around the world have environmental requirements

for items manufactured with certain elements viewed as harmful to the environ-
ment. These include RoHS (Restrictions of Hazardous Substances Directive)
$ in the US and UK and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorizationand
Restriction of Chemicals) directives in Europe specifying the allowable content
of these harmful elements in items that may end up in landfills or disposed of
at end of product life.

TIP #1 Focus on prevention, source TIP #2 Check the end item user coun-
reduction and recycling of all try’s environmental policies when
raw materials selected. selecting a material.

5 Rules and Regulations

Many raw materials are subject to rules and regulations governing everything
from country of origin to applicability for manufacturing of certain items. DFARS
(Defense Acquisition Regulation System) specifies acceptable counties of origin
for specialty metals used in the manufacture of defense related items and the
documentation process. Many raw materials available from low cost regions
of the world have import duties covered under Anti-Dumping (AD) and
Countervailing Duties (CVD) directives potentially adding cost and risk not
readily apparent to the purchaser.

TIP #1 Check to see if the material in TIP #2 Check the country of origin on
question is listed on any import material certifications to insure
duty list. compliance.

Bracalente Manufacturing Group ©2015

20 W. Creamery Road, Trumbauersville, PA 18970
1 (215) 536-3077 www.bracalente.com